Following extensive talks with his Fiji counterpart, Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, on August 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will assist Fiji in disaster relief, with a focus on the dangers posed by climate change. He stressed that although the two nations are separated by the ocean, they share common ambitions, and also agreed to strengthen defence cooperation.

"Climate change is a danger for Fiji, we will assist it in managing disaster response. India and Fiji might be oceans apart, but our dreams sail in the same boat," PM Modi said. He further underlined that India and Fiji are committed to a free, inclusive, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

He also stated, "We have made up our minds to enhance mutual cooperation in the defence and security area." After the talks between Modi and Rabuka, seven agreements were signed between the two countries to expand cooperation in multiple sectors.

Fiji holds strategic value for India from a maritime security perspective, according to an official release. With China increasing its influence in the Pacific region, India has been looking to expand its defence partnership with Fiji.

PM Modi announced that India will provide training and equipment assistance to strengthen Fiji’s maritime security. He said an action plan for this has already been prepared, as reported by PTI.

PM Modi also set out India’s priorities for the Global South, emphasising that India is an active partner in the region’s development process. He said, "We are partners in building a world order where the independence, ideas and identity of the Global South are respected."

Rabuka arrived in Delhi on August 24 for a three-day visit, his first to India since becoming Fiji’s prime minister.

India and Fiji share long-standing cultural and people-to-people connections dating back to 1879, when Indian labourers were taken to Fiji under the British indenture system. Rabuka’s visit follows President Droupadi Murmu’s trip to Fiji last year, highlighting the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two nations.

According to an official Indian release on Thursday, the visit demonstrates the long-standing and stable alliance between India and Fiji. It added, "It reaffirms the continued commitment of both nations to further strengthen the bilateral relationship in all spheres and deepen our close people-to-people relations."

As part of his schedule, the Fijian prime minister will deliver a lecture at Sapru House on August 26, under a program organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs, ANI reported. His visit will conclude with his departure from Delhi on August 27.